Château Retreat Prep Guide

Travel Tips

Tamara is a seasoned, and Type-A traveller, so please, if you do not see something here that you’re curious about, please reach out via email, social media, or text. She is happy to help.

Tips: Make sure you’ve booked refundable, or flex tickets! And please make sure your travel insurance is active. CHUBB yearly plans are amazing, but you can also choose to only have a plan active during your travel dates. One thing to note, you can use a business credit card to expense a lot of things, especially your hotel rooms and flights, since you’re traveling for work! (But it’s not recommended to try & expense a $3000 Louis Vuitton purse, haha )

Flying into Paris?

1. The best place to stay for first timers, especially art enthusiasts is the Marais area, specifically around the Pompidou Center. It is said to have over 300 galleries within 1 square mile. It is also within a 15-20 minute walk of the Louvre

2. Places like the Louvre, Palace of Versailles, Palais Garnier, and the Catacombs all require advance purchase tickets

3. You can take a fast train, which is approximately 2.5 hours, from Paris Montparnasse train station directly to Bordeaux. Book this on SNCF Connect. 1st class tickets are affordable, and safer for your luggage. Pro-tip, book a seat with a view of your luggage in the rack for extra safety, and keep your camera bag with you.

Staying in Bordeaux

1. The team is staying at Hotel Konti the night of September 30th. It is in a prime area of town and walking distance to most attractions.

2. You’re in wine country! There are several reputable wine tour companies, including Bordeaux Vertigo, which has tours to several locations, or one within the city if you don’t want to go far.

3. Places of Note: 1. Bassins de Lumières- Submarine hangar with interactive art display 2. Place de la Bourse- Beautiful building with reflection pool perfect for taking photos 3. Marché de Capucins- Large food hall/ market 4. Day visit to Saint-Émilion- World UNESCO heritage site

Communication

1. We will be communicating via WhatsApp in a group message

2. For North Americans- almost all phone companies in the US & Canada have a “travel pass” option. For example, Verizon will send you a text message when your phone initially turns on in France asking you if you would like to use the travel pass, but it may be automatic. This is usually $10-$12usd per day. You may have the option of enabling an unlimited travel plan by calling your phone company directly. E-Sims are another option if you would like to sign up for that instead of a travel pass.

Safety

Yes, France is one of the safer options for travel, but, as with any big city, you have to stay vigilant, especially with your camera gear in-tow.

1. Make an extra copy of your passport to keep in your camera bag or luggage. Keep a little cash and a credit card separate from you in case your wallet is stolen. Keep your purse in front of your body, and wallet in your front pocket when on public transport.

2. Lock your camera gear in the hotel safe when you’re out exploring. If you are taking the train, don’t put your camera bag on the luggage rack. Keep it under the seat or above you.